The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $938,742 construction contract to correct safety deficiencies at Arthur R. Bowman Dam located on the Crooked River about 20 miles southeast of Prineville, Oregon.

The contract was awarded to Kirby Nagelhout of Bend, Ore. on September 27.

"The modifications will correct a hydrologic deficiency that was identified under Reclamation's Safety of Dams Program which determined that during a large flood event Bowman Dam would be overtopped and could potentially lead to dam failure," said Larry Wolf, Reclamation Safety of Dams Program Manager.

The modifications include adding a 6-foot high concrete parapet wall to the upstream crest of the dam and raising a portion of the spillway walls by 2-feet. The contractor is expected to start in May 2011 with a completion date of November 2011.

Roadway traffic will be limited to one lane across the crest of the dam throughout much of the construction, with temporary road closure starting the first week of October 2011. Reclamation is advising the public to obey traffic signs and exercise caution in the area due to the movement of heavy equipment.

The Powder House Cove boat ramp will not be affected by construction activities. The Big Bend Campground will be open; however, a portion of the park will be used to locate construction equipment.

The Modification Report for Bowman Dam was approved by the Office of Management and Budget in early August 2010 and sent on to Congress where a mandatory 30-day waiting period expired this month clearing the way for the contract award.

Arthur R. Bowman Dam was constructed by Reclamation from 1958-1961. The dam impounds Prineville Reservoir which has an active capacity of 152,800 acre-feet. The facility is part of the Crooked River Project that serves multiple purposes such as irrigation storage, flood control, fish and wildlife enhancement, and recreation. The Ochoco Irrigation District operates and maintains the dam under federal contract with Reclamation.

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR.